Thanks so much NoSoccermom -- your interest in my project is soooo helpful. By chance, just today, my neighbor stopped by who is an engineer (the worst) but worked as a professional painter and general contractor as he worked his way thru college. I've been dying to call him about all my projects but today worked out perfectly. He's finishing his basement and asked my ideas about that and I had a chance to walk him thru the almost finished Dining Room (he was impressed) and then we talked about the crazy Living Room with paneling/shake/beams/etc. He loved all your ideas about keeping the shake. He offered to help me remove the paneling and fix the walls OR apply NEW drywall if that is what I want. Cleverly ... he mentioned ... if you really want to accent the shake like it was "intentional" minimize or remove the other materials. Lastly .... he advised on my ceiling which he's done before. After a lengthy discussion ... I have to basically stipple these tiles (brush-fill all the holes and groves) then roll with a nappy roller. I can do that. I can recruit my Hubby to help. In return, I've offered to help finish his basement when it comes to painting as I meet his level of excellence. LOL. I'm in good shape for now. I'll post pictures of the entire room before / during / and after. Also, I feel obliged to send you flowers or something in appreciation because you've really changed and IMPROVED what I was going to do. Thanks soooo much. And thanks to GW Home Decorators. You folks rock! :)

Clarece,,,great idea! I like the black wall idea. Remove all of the clutter. The chevron pattern is great. Can't appreciate it because you have the picture and others things propped up on the mantel. That cubbie storage thing to the left does not go well. Try the mcm credenza (pictured above) with a nice piece of art over it. or: all those small pictures and the chaotic book placement, are fighting w/the chevron pattern. Not digging the drapes either. I like the rug, but not the drapes you have. I think a solid white or a woven wood blind would work better.

If you don't want "nasty plastic chemicals" I assume you are ripping out the vinyl flooring and replacing it with ceramic tile, which unless you are on a slab will necessitate reinforcing the floor and putting down hardibacker. ESPECIALLY given that they nearly always use some version of OSB as floor underlayment. It isn't the load bearing capacity that is the problem, it is flexion. If your floor flexes with vinyl or wood its not a big deal. The same amount of flex with tile will crack tile and/or grout. I would never go larger than 12" tile on wood underlayment no matter how it is pumped up. Anyone who tells you you can cheap out on your underlayment is either an idiot or they're lying to you. I LOVE tile flooring - but unless you're on a slab its a lot of extra expense. Almost any of the laminate plank flooring will be a better option on a wood underlayment without additional expense. In other words, your best bet to replace that floor is "nasty plastic chemical having" vinyl sheet flooring expense-wise (and even appearance-wise, many vinyl sheet flooring designs are QUITE attractive), or laminate plank. The only thing I find "wrong" with the kitchen as it is is it seems dark, but that could be a function of your photography. There is no reason to replace those cabinets and you would have to pay a LOT to get similar quality. I would strip and refinish in a lighter color or paint. As in you paint them yourselves. They make several versions of paint suitable for painting cabinets that show few, if any, brushmarks. If you use the proper prep, primer, and brushes. And patience. I don't care for the flooring but wouldn't replace it unless it is actually worn or I was flush with money. The vinyl flooring I've seen in Home Despot is way uglier though so - really I think you're sort of lucky with what you have. Actual flooring companies undoubtedly have more options but will also (undoubtedly) be more costly than the Big Box stores. Watch for laminate plank on sale. That can be quite attractive and affordable at the right price. This is a minor quibble but those curtains are TOO long. Personally I don't want curtains draggling in the overspray from my sink. Hem them, replace them, or raise the rod. Mostly I don't think there's a thing wrong with your kitchen. I'd leave it alone unless you know you're going to be in it for years and years, in which case do whatever you want to it. "Upgrading" for sale is also not sensible. You will DEFINITELY NOT get your money back in a mere 2 or 3 years. I would also never put a rug in a kitchen. They get nasty fast. Comfort mats in front of work areas, sure. Rug - no. And that rug in the picture is way uglier than the floor itself. IMO.

Well, don't go break the bank on something that hands out radon, or cannot be effectively cleaned without a college diploma! A very nice countertop that is a solid surface, and just simply white will be very pretty. Keep it simple, Let your floor shine. Oak and cedar wood does go with green(I call yours' Emerald and Gold....not really Forest or Pine on my monitor) just take a walk in a park or maybe just in a Nature area. There is nothing prettier than wood and green grass with the colors of birds and butterflies around. Nature does not make mistakes...so I think the counters, and the appliances as they can(need is the only thing that moves mine out)be changed to white with your sink....will be a very pleasant transition, and be careful doing that drywall painting. Your floor and your wood and your counters will need some time and effort to be duly protected. Maybe that will sink and counter top will lead you to the right shade for your walls. There are alot to choose from in just the family of lites/ whites..